Summer of 2011 has been eventful so far and I admittedly love it! It’s always been one of my most dreaded season of the year because I do not do well with heat, humidity and did I mention summer in New York City rancid smell is unbearable. This may sound depressing to some people but the only thing I ever looked forward to during summer is longer daylights and juicy watermelon. Since working for a non-profit local, regional farmer’s market, New Amsterdam Market, I’ve been enlightened and introduced to many amazing food, from fresh seasonal produce to dining at restaurants who cooks and source ingredients mindfully.

In addition the market highlights a lot of fresh, vibrant and seasonal produce. Today was a fruit day. I end the day with 5 types of fruits to carry home and perfect for any fruit salad, jam, tart, yogurt, honey… Or simply enjoy the fruit on its own with a gentle wash under running cold water.

Blueberry from Flying Fox

Hand picked apricots and blueberries from Flying Fox

Peaches and sour cheeries from Toigo Orchards

And the smallest plums I have ever held and tasted from Do Re Me Farms

I am fascinated by the abundance of fruits and the variety that grows in the NY State and in the Northeast region. The vastness and richness of what our region provide is a gem and we need to appreciate it more and it starts by supporting and eating local. Come say hello at New Amsterdam Market. Every Sunday 11am -4pm near the Old Fulton Fish Market. South Street, (Between Beekman St & Peck Slip)

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I apologize I have not been writing as diligently as I like to but all that will change soon or at least that is my goal. As a recap of my summer thus far :

Rockaway Taco: Fish Taco and Chorizo with Guac Taco

7. 9. 2011 – Sunbathing at Far Rockaway Beach and a bite at Rockaway Taco with friends. Far Rockaway is an example of gentrification as it continues to with new restaurants and food concession opens on the boardwalk. The neighborhood feels less threatening, much safer and a lot more trendier than 2003. And the beach is fairly clean comparably to any beach within New York City with waves suit for a surfer.

7. 2. 2011 – Hiking and foraging for mushrooms at Bear Mountain in the Hudson Valley region with family. My mom has her eyes on fungi. She spotted a number of different mushrooms which we only photographed and left it untouched in the wild. 2 years later the Appalachian trail which cuts through here from Maine to Georgia have completed building steps along the trail making the hike extra leisure and easy but still mesmerizing to walk through with tranquil sounds of nature.

6. 29. 2011: Celebrated my awesome mom’s 55th birthday at a vegetarian Korean restaurant,Hangawi, with an elaborate menu. The decor of the restaurant transports you to Korea and the floor seating design will make anyone sitting in lotus position look like a master yogi. What I enjoyed most was to eat barefooted as it is an dining etiquette.

6. 28. 2011: Shake Shacknow closer to home. Visited their newest outpost in Financial District. Shroom burger is the best option for any vegetarians. Wash it down with a milkshake or concrete!

6. 23. 2011: Took advantage of the free East River Ferry from Pier 11 to North 6 Williamsburg to celebrate first week of summer solstice with friends at Radegast Hall & Biergarten with draft beers and sausages and sauerkrauts. Pretzel is freshly baked and soft with unique condiments on the side. A great comfort dish is their Spatzel with gouda cheese, cabbage and Hunter’s bacon like a classic mac n’ cheese.

6. 9. 2011: Volunteered at Tasting Table Lobster Rumble(General admission: $130; VIP admission: $250; Volunteered: FREE) 17 different lobster rolls to sample from and all intrinsically different. Some lighter than other, other more mayo, more butter, more bun…mmm I helped two chefs from Boston, MA, B & G Oysters & Menton to griddle countless numbers of hot dog buns and ate countless of lobster rolls. The team I helped out B & G Oysters were of course the best!